“I want students to know I have an open door policy. If they have a question or they want to talk about something, (…) I’m always happy to talk,” newly elected East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham said.
Mr. Cunningham, along with East Lyme’s 27 other municipal elected officials were officially sworn into office December 4 at the East Lyme Community Center. The ceremony marked the first swearing in of a Democratic First Selectman in East Lyme in 16 years.
The event began with former First Selectman Kevin Seery welcoming the packed audience. The room buzzed with excitement amongst the 100 townspeople that filled the seats, with more standing in the back.
Following the pledge of allegiance led by East Lyme veteran Brian Burridge, two ELHS seniors, Sarah Bonura and Dilshani Hansa, sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Mr. Cunningham spoke on his vision for East Lyme under his leadership.
“I see my charge as conserving the natural resources of our town. (…) I see it as protecting and serving the residents or our wonderful town and as being open and candid with those who have concerns,” Mr. Cunningham said.
Mr. Cunningham continued, “I also see [my charge] as protecting and serving the wonderful employees of this town and maintaining a workplace culture that is safe and inviting, and one which will continue to be an attractive place to work.”
Mr. Cunningham is a former lawyer and mock trial coach at ELHS, and wants students to know he is always willing to give advice about careers in law or government.
President of Care and Share Pat Payne also spoke at the event.
“I’m so pleased that she is able to tell another audience about the good work that they do,” Mr. Cunningham said. “We [Care and Share] are here to help our neighbors in need,” Ms. Payne said.
Ms. Payne urges high school students interested in volunteering for the organization to join the Key Club or to call the Care and Share hotline number which can be found online.
“Care and Share is run by volunteers and donations. It takes a village,” Ms. Payne said.
Mr. Cunningham concluded the ceremony with the following; “It is indeed one of the greatest honors of my life to be trusted with this responsibility. I promise to do the best, and ask for your generosity of spirit and goodwill as we move forward.”
